Home Education and other people's children?

Question

I have been educating at home for two years now, started when she was 12 and couldn't read, she is now 14 and preparing for her English and Math GCSE. We cover lots of other subjects too.
My question is...I have been asked a lot of questions by other parents who are interested in Home Education for one reason or another and have tried to help them but now I have been asked if it would be legal for me to help them educate their child. I.E. could someone be 'home educated' but actully have lessons and help from me rather than their own parent(s)?
I am not a teacher by any means but I have done well with the now 14 year old over the past two years. Personally I would think it would not be acceptable but then again I am unsure so would appreciate any insights.
Maybe I should have looked at teaching all those years ago when in careers advice sessions!!! I obviously have a bit of a knack. I am in the UK by the way, England.

Answer 1

The parent has the responsibility to make sure they are educated, but I don't think this means they actually have to teach them, after all some parents get tutors (especially for GCSE's and A Levels, and tutors aren't always qualified teachers), however it would be important to work with the parent and jointly record what work has been done.

Parental Duties: Section 7
"The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable ;
a) to his age, ability, and aptitude, and
b) to any special educational needs he may have,
either by regular attendance at school or otherwise." (1)

However there are seperate rules about what counts as a school -

If there are five or more children over the age of compulsory schooling, even in a home, you have to register as a school with the Department for Education and Skills - DfES (Registrar of Independent Schools, DfES Pupils & Parents Branch, Mowden Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, DL3 9BG. Phone [phone] for an information pack). (2)

I don't think you have to be a qualified teacher to set up a 'small school' as it is private, but there are more requirements than in plain homeschooling, but there could be benefits too e.g. you may be able to register as an exam centre.
Theres is some great further info here ( http://homepages.tesco.net/~littlebears/co-op.htm ) about setting up homeschool co-ops, small schools etc.

Answer 2

As I understand it the only legal thing is first that the local authorities know the child is to be home educated I don't think it then matters who educates the child. I home educated my son for a year and was visited by the home education officer who checked all was going well and my son was receiving adequate education but as I am sure you know education happens everywhere and is not confined to one place or one person so as long as you do not open a school or claim to be a qualified teacher you are doing nothing wrong.

Answer 3

It is important for you to research the legal requirements in England. I am from the US so each state has various requirements for homeschooling. I know of people who did the bulk of the educating process for other parents when it came to core classes but the parents still had to spend some time involved in the process in order to be legal. Perhaps sharing the responsibility with them would be an option if the legal issues come into consideration. BTW, weren't governesses responsible for the education of the children they cared for? Is that still a legal profession and what are the requirements for that? I am answering your question I guess with more questions for you to consider as research would be important.

Answer 4

I can recommend the Education Otherwise network. They have over 30 years' experience of supporting home educating families. As far as I know there are currently no legal restrictions on who parents can use to educate their children. The parents take responsibility but do not need to be the sole educators. However, the DoES is proposing new regulations for home education, mainly it seems at the request of LEA's . Education Otherwise is one of the groups being consulted so they will know what may be proposed as new regulations.

http://www.education-otherwise.org/

Answer 5

Seems you would have to see what your laws say about it. In my state here in the US, the law is very specific. If a parent is teaching their child, they have to be the primary instructor, or have a certficated teacher involved in the process. You can't teach another child in lieu of their parent otherwise. That being said, we do have co-ops where parents band together, and for a subject or two, have a sort of class that they run. So, the parents take Bobby to someone's home, or church or library, and another parent may teach a particular subject (History, for example).

You may be able to manage something like that, but it would, of course, be totally dependent on what your laws say about home education. Good luck!

Answer 6

As long as you are not being paid to teach, you will be fine. Many people set up Home Education Clubs with different parents teaching groups of kids. Its great for the kids as well and fulfils one of the requirements of socialisation as well.

Go for it. Home Education offers so many opportunities for an extended curriculum - my niece's physical education consists of wind surfing and sailing - bet she wouldn't have been able to do that at many schools. She also plays two instraments to a high standard, studies the area of history that she is interested in - with the help of a history mad neighbour among other things.

Answer 7

. Bob, there are NO FACTS taught in public schools about evolution - Evolution is a MYTH and has never been proven - and never will be. Home schooling is a more complete education as includes the Bible. We creation believing Christians are the only ones with real knowledge. It is you half-educated atheists that will be America's downfall As you are qualified only to flip hamburgers and cut lawns and empty the night-cart. . . .

Answer 8

Homeschooling is the parents responsibility but you can help them. When a parent signs the child out of public school they are saying that they will be responsible for making sure their child learns everything that they deem the child should know. If the parents think you are a good "teacher" for their child then go for it....just make sure they do what they need to legally with the school district. Good luck to you!

Answer 9

I know that here we are involved in a co op that has all the parents chipping in with the teaching and other duties of educating the children. No one makes any money and we are individually responsible for our kids learning. One mom teaches History, one Science, one writing and so on. Maybe that is something you could look into with the parents you are talking to.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

I do not know the rules for the UK. In the states, they vary from state to state. Some states allow parents to use other people to provide the homeschooling, some states require that person to have certain certifications while others simply do not have any rules. Where ever you would call to check the legal requirements for homeschooling in your area should be able to answer the questions you have.